Is complete removal of carcinoma in situ equivalent to a complete cure?

In general, after complete removal of carcinoma in situ, it can be considered as a complete cure in most cases. Details are as follows:

Carcinoma in situ refers to cancer cells confined within the mucosa, basement membrane, or epidermis without invasion beyond the basement membrane, mucosa, or epidermis. It is an early-stage non-invasive cancer, typically with no obvious symptoms. The cure rate is generally high when detected and treated early. As the cancer cells in carcinoma in situ have not breached the basement membrane and no metastasis has occurred, complete surgical removal of the lesion usually eradicates the cancer cells, resulting in no recurrence and thus considered a complete cure.

Although most cases of carcinoma in situ can be completely cured after surgical removal, there are still a few highly malignant cancers, such as pancreatic cancer or small cell lung cancer, which may have microscopic metastases even at the carcinoma in situ stage. Complete surgical removal alone is difficult to eradicate these cancers, and the postoperative recurrence rate remains relatively high; therefore, they cannot be considered completely cured.

After surgical treatment, patients should focus on body recovery and rehabilitation. Diet should be light and balanced, maintaining a calm mindset and avoiding significant emotional fluctuations. Patients can engage in appropriate physical activity based on their recovery status, but strenuous exercise should be avoided. Due to the risk of recurrence and metastasis, even after complete removal of carcinoma in situ, patients still require regular follow-up examinations. Regular check-ups enable early detection of any possible recurrence or metastasis, allowing timely adjustment of treatment plans by the physician.